Batter HBP

Question
Mark,
12U little league.
If the pitchers throws a pitch and it bounces before the batter and then hits the batter, is this a dead ball or a hit batter?  Does it make a difference if the batter makes an attempt to get out of the way or not?  This situation occurred twice last night as we faced a struggling pitcher and coaches and umpires were in disagreement.
Thanks in advance for your answer!

Answer
Good morning Doug,

It's a pretty simple situation.... by rule,

In the game of softball a pitched ball, not swung at, nor a strike that touches any part of the batter's body or clothing is a dead ball and the batter is awarded 1st base.

If no attempt is made to avoid being hit the batter is not awarded 1st base unless it is ball 4.

Let me know if you need anything else.

Mark